Child with headphones surrounded by musical notes, representing auditory stimulation for autism.

Can Auditory Stimulation Improve Sensory Issues in Children with Autism?

Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Case-Control Study Explores the Effectiveness of Auditory Interventions for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders"

Sensory processing challenges, particularly within the auditory system, significantly affect many children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). These challenges can impact how they interact with the world, leading to difficulties in everyday activities and social interactions.

Occupational therapists often employ sound-based interventions to help these children manage auditory sensitivities. One such intervention is The Listening Program (TLP), a structured auditory stimulation program that claims to improve sensory processing and reduce over-responsivity. However, there is limited peer-reviewed research supporting its effectiveness, creating a need for further investigation.

This article delves into a case-control study that explores the potential benefits of TLP for children with ASD who experience auditory sensory over-responsivity (SOR). By examining the outcomes of TLP, this study aims to provide insights into whether this approach can effectively reduce sensitivity to auditory stimuli and improve the overall quality of life for these children.

Understanding Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity and ASD

Child with headphones surrounded by musical notes, representing auditory stimulation for autism.

Sensory processing involves the ability to detect incoming sensory stimuli, interpret its meaning, and respond appropriately. When one or more of these components are impaired, it can lead to sensory processing disorder (SPD). Auditory sensory over-responsivity (SOR) is a subtype of SPD that makes it difficult for a person to process and use auditory information effectively.

Children with auditory SOR may exhibit heightened sensitivity to sounds that are not typically bothersome to others. This can manifest as a range of reactions, including:

Increased anxiety or distress in noisy environments
Difficulty concentrating or following instructions due to background noise
Avoidance of certain places or activities due to sound sensitivities
Physical reactions such as covering ears or complaining of discomfort

Research suggests a significant comorbidity between ASD and SPD, with estimates ranging from 69% to 95%. Auditory SOR appears to be particularly common among children with ASD. Studies have shown that a substantial percentage of children with ASD exhibit abnormal responses to auditory stimuli, affecting their daily routines and overall well-being.

Implications and Future Research

This study provides preliminary evidence that TLP may be a valuable intervention for children with ASD and auditory sensory processing difficulties. However, the mixed results underscore the need for individualized treatment approaches and careful monitoring of outcomes. Future research should focus on identifying specific factors that predict treatment success and refining intervention protocols to optimize their effectiveness. By continuing to explore the potential of auditory stimulation and other sensory-based interventions, we can improve the lives of children with ASD and help them reach their full potential.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.12968/ijtr.2015.22.1.36, Alternate LINK

Title: The Effectiveness Of Auditory Stimulation In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Case–Control Study

Subject: Rehabilitation

Journal: International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation

Publisher: Mark Allen Group

Authors: Bryan Gee, Kelly Thompson, Aaron Pierce, Megan Toupin, Jennifer Holst

Published: 2015-01-02

Everything You Need To Know

What is Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity?

Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) makes it hard for someone to process and use sound effectively. It's a type of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) where individuals, particularly children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), are overly sensitive to sounds. This can cause anxiety, difficulty concentrating, and avoidance of certain places or activities. The impact of Auditory SOR can significantly affect daily life and social interactions.

What is The Listening Program (TLP) and how does it work?

The Listening Program (TLP) is a sound-based intervention. It's a structured auditory stimulation program that aims to improve sensory processing and reduce auditory sensory over-responsivity in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The aim of TLP is to decrease sensitivity to auditory stimuli. The goal is to improve the quality of life for children by addressing their auditory sensitivities.

What is the relationship between Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) and Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR)?

Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is a condition where the ability to detect, interpret, and respond to sensory stimuli is impaired. Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is a specific type of SPD. This can lead to significant challenges in everyday life. Children with ASD frequently experience SPD. Research suggests that 69% to 95% of children with ASD also have SPD. This makes it critical to understand and address sensory processing issues to improve their quality of life.

How is Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) connected to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

The connection between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Auditory Sensory Over-Responsivity (SOR) is significant. A large percentage of children with ASD experience SOR. This can cause them to react negatively to sounds that don't bother others. This can affect their daily routines and overall well-being, which is why interventions like The Listening Program (TLP) are explored to improve their lives.

What are the implications of the study's findings regarding The Listening Program (TLP)?

This study suggests that The Listening Program (TLP) might be helpful for children with ASD facing auditory sensory challenges. However, the results also show the need for treatment plans that are tailored to each person and careful monitoring of how well the treatment works. Further studies should focus on determining factors that indicate treatment success. The goal is to refine intervention methods to get the best outcomes for children with ASD.